Protests Erupt in Tbilisi Over Suspended EU Membership Talks
Thousands Demonstrate Against Georgian Government Amid Worsening Relations with the EU
In Tbilisi, Georgia, thousands of protesters gathered outside the parliament to express their anger over the government's decision to suspend talks for European Union membership until 2028.
The unrest follows the ruling Georgian Dream party's contentious victory in the October 26 parliamentary election, which the pro-European opposition claims was marred by fraud.
Clashes have erupted between pro-European demonstrators and police, who used water cannons, tear gas, and pepper spray.
The interior ministry reported injuries to 10 Ministry of Internal Affairs employees and 32 police officers, and the arrest of 107 protesters for disobedience and hooliganism.
Tensions have intensified since the European Parliament declared last month’s election part of Georgia's 'worsening democratic crisis' and criticized the ruling party for alleged vote manipulation.
Despite having been granted EU candidate status in 2023, Georgia’s accession process was reportedly halted earlier this year by Belgium over concerns about 'Russia-style' laws in Georgia.
The protests have drawn support from Georgia’s pro-Western President Salome Zourabishvili, who criticized the election results and voiced solidarity with the protesters.
Many sectors, including universities and ministries, have expressed their opposition, escalating demands for the government to resume EU talks and pursue new elections.
The European Union’s ambassador condemned the government’s crackdown on protesters as relations between Tbilisi and the West continue to deteriorate.
The unrest follows the ruling Georgian Dream party's contentious victory in the October 26 parliamentary election, which the pro-European opposition claims was marred by fraud.
Clashes have erupted between pro-European demonstrators and police, who used water cannons, tear gas, and pepper spray.
The interior ministry reported injuries to 10 Ministry of Internal Affairs employees and 32 police officers, and the arrest of 107 protesters for disobedience and hooliganism.
Tensions have intensified since the European Parliament declared last month’s election part of Georgia's 'worsening democratic crisis' and criticized the ruling party for alleged vote manipulation.
Despite having been granted EU candidate status in 2023, Georgia’s accession process was reportedly halted earlier this year by Belgium over concerns about 'Russia-style' laws in Georgia.
The protests have drawn support from Georgia’s pro-Western President Salome Zourabishvili, who criticized the election results and voiced solidarity with the protesters.
Many sectors, including universities and ministries, have expressed their opposition, escalating demands for the government to resume EU talks and pursue new elections.
The European Union’s ambassador condemned the government’s crackdown on protesters as relations between Tbilisi and the West continue to deteriorate.
